Women engineers adopt coping strategies, finds study
Although more women are studying engineering in the UK, few go on to take up a career in the sector; those that do adopt a range of strategies for coping in such a male-dominated environment, according to new research from the UK's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Thanks to a range of government initiatives, the proportion of women studying engineering at university is steadily increasing; in 2003 and 2004, 15% of engineering students were women, compared to just 3% in the early 1970s. However, few of these women go on to pursue a career in the engineering sector. To find out why, a team lead by Barbara Bagilhole of Loughborough University interviewed female engineering students before, during and after an industrial placement which formed part of their degree course. The researchers found that women identified engineering as a useful basis for a variety of career paths. However, both male and female students were largely critical of the way their courses were taught, saying they were too theoretical and did not teach them enough practical skills. Once on the placement, female students adopted a variety of strategies for coping both as an industrial placement student and in a male dominated environment, the researchers discovered. 'These include acting like one of the boys, accepting gender challenges, building a reputation and downplaying any disadvantages in favour of advantages,' explained Professor Bagilhole. Furthermore, women engineering students valued their novelty status and held traditionally stereotypical views of women outside the profession. 'These attitudes may be a result of their assimilation into the industry culture and they do little to further women's causes in engineering,' commented Professor Bagilhole. In both the classroom and the workplace, women found that their gender meant they were more likely to receive help than their male colleagues, indicating that women are viewed by many in the engineering sector as being less capable than men. Many women also felt that their gender made them more employable, and while drives to recruit more women are commendable, they left many women wondering whether they had been hired for their skills or their gender. The researchers recommend that higher education courses should develop gender-oriented preparation and support mechanisms for students who are about to embark on an industrial placement. These could address problems women may face in the workplace. For their part, engineering companies and organisations should be more transparent about their recruitment criteria and develop clear career pathways. Furthermore, they should facilitate networking for new women engineers.
Countries
United Kingdom